Missouri Major Project - All American St. Louis Elks Lodge #9

Since 1962 the Major Project for the MEA (Missouri Elks Association) is an RV that serves the dental needs of the eligible physically challenged children, mentally challenged / developmentally disabled adults + children, and Veterans in need.

Saint Louis #9 facilitated an RV’s being stationed at the nearby Overland VFW Hall #3944 (Creve Coeur, where the Lodge is located, forbids overnight parking) where, over a three-week period in the Spring of 2024 it conducted 32 patient visits and 368 procedures which had an estimated value of $19,400. Of the 32 visits, 25 were Veterans referred by the Kaufman Fund ( https://www.thekaufmanfund.org ) and Missouri Veterans Endeavor ( https://www.move-stl.org ).

Pictured L to R – Stephanie Scott (MEA – Dental Assistant), Dr. Robert Beck (MEA – Dentist)

MEA Dental RV during its stay at Overland VFW Hall #3944 https://vfw3944.org

Pictured L to R – Dr. Robert Beck (MEA – Dentist), Wayne Kaufman (Founder & President – Kaufman Fund), Fred Darby (VFW #3944 – Commander), Stephanie Scott (MEA – Dental Hygienist), Timothy Luby (Lodge #9 – PER)

Entrance of Overland VFW Hall #3944 https://vfw3944.org

Pictured L to R – Dr. Robert Beck (MEA – Dentist), Bill Wallace (Missouri Veterans Endeavor – President), Fred Darby (VFW 3944 – Commander), Wayne Kaufman (Kaufman Fund – Founder & President), Timothy Luby (Lodge #9 PER)

MEA Dental RV at the 2023 Saint Louis Lodge #9 Kayak with Vet event at Creve Coeur Lake.

Pictured L to R – Beth Schnettler (Lodge #9 – Exalted Ruler), John Gross (Grand Trustee, Past Missouri Elks President, Member De Soto #689), Dr. Rober Beck (MEA – Dentist), Rober Dixon (Lodge #9 Veterans Committee Chair + District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler)

The MEA Dental RV at All American Saint Louis Elks Lodge #9 during the weekend of the 2023 Kayak with a Vet

MEA Dental RV Tri Fold flyer – page 2of2

MEA Dental RV Tri Fold flyer – page 2of2

On January 20th the lodge hosted the annual ‘History Group Trivia & Benevolent Trust Cook Off that netted north of $1,600 dedicated to the Missouri Benevolent Trust Dental RV

ELKS DENTAL CARE PROGRAM
Since 1962 Mobile Dental Units, purchased and equipped by the Elks, have served the dental needs of eligible physically challenged children, and mentally challenged/developmentally disabled adults and children. Basic and routine dental treatments include x-rays, examinations, cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings, routine extractions and referrals. Each year, dental procedures are performed on more than 3,000 patients. The value of these services is over $700,000.00.

The Elks Dental Program is administered by the Missouri Department of Health, who has a contract with Truman Medical Center – Lakewood. The Hospital staffs these units, schedules the calls, completes the treatment, and reports the results to the Missouri Elks Benevolent Trust. The units cover the State and will be scheduled for the same area at nearly the same time each year. Units could be at Elks Lodges, Regional Health Centers, or other appropriate locations. Click here for more information on Elks Mobile Dental Services & Truman Medical Center.

NEWEST MOBILE UNIT
The newest in the fleet of three Mobile Dental Units was purchase by the Elks for over $195,000.00. It features a wheelchair lift and two special dental chairs. The units are fully accessible for the treatment of our special patients.

TREATMENT INCLUDED IN THE ELKS DENTAL PROGRAM
The Program was started for disabled children who could not he treated by local dentists due to various reasons. Whether it be the need of special equipment or the extra time these special patients require. The Mobile Unit treatment includes:
– Examination and Diagnosis
– Prophylaxis and Topical Fluoride Applications
– Removal of Infected or Painful Teeth
– Restoration of Infected or Painful Teeth
– Treatment of Gingivitis or Mouth infections
– Placement of Steel Crowns and Space Maintainers
– Pit and Fissure Sealants
– Preventive and Oral Hygiene Instruction to Patient and Family
– X rays
– Root Canals

SERVING THE NEEDS OF THE CHILDREN

OUR STATE
Missouri is divided into three districts each serviced by a separate unit. The units are scheduled to cover the entire state, Unit 1 serves western, unit 2 central, and unit 3 eastern Missouri.

MORE ADVANCED TREATMENT
Children needing hospitalization for dental treatment are referred to Children’s Mercy from the Mobile Units. Missouri Elks fund the Elks Fellowship for Advanced Pediatric Dentistry.

Missouri Elks Benevolent Trust, Inc. was incorporated in order to have a Functioning group to operate the Elks State Major Project, the Dental Care Program. The Officers, Trustees and Board of Management are elected from all Elks Districts in Missouri. They meet twice a year and when special meetings are needed. Current officers are listed in the State Directory of the Missouri Elks Association.

Join Now! “Give a Child a Smile”
Missouri Elks Benevolent Trust, Inc. Dental Program

100 Club
This can be done as a one time payment or as a pledge of $10 per year. This club provides the annual operating and maintenance expenses.

300/500/1000 – Perpetual Fund Club
This can also be paid at one time or you can pay it in ten pledges of $30 – $50 – $100 per year. In order to provide an assured annual income a Perpetual Fund was established. Only the earning of the Fund may be used. Current Federal and State funding is declining and there is a growing number of patients. Donations from all Elks and non-Elk friends are needed to maintain the current level of service.